It’s never too late to spot a whale, and there are many more of them in Chilean waters since the law to preserve these gigantic mammals went into effect 30 years ago. Strong in support of the conservation of whales and dolphins is cruise specialist Cruceros Australis, offering two special departures that focus on the observation of humpback whales in the Strait of Magellan, while cruising between Chile and Argentina: by ship around the southern tip of South America.

The whale-watchers 4-night cruises aboard the 136-passenger Via Australis are scheduled for Feb. 20 and March 8. Clients board in Punta Arenas, with the first day’s whale watching around Carlos II Island and on a visit to Francisco Coloane Park, Chile’s first marine park. Passengers also go ashore by zodiacs at points in the bays of Garibaldi and Pia Glaciers, as well as at Hornos Island and Wulaia Bay. Final disembarkation is in Ushuaia, the southern-most city in the world.

Cruise costs start at $1,989 pp dbl and include sea transportation, shore excursions, all meals and open bar, onboard lectures and entertainment. For more information, call (877) 678-3772 or visit australis.com.